REG-Interim Results <Origin Href="QuoteRef">VAST.L</Origin>
22/12/2017 07:05
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Vast Resources plc / Ticker: VAST / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining
Vast Resources plc
("Vast" or the "Company")
22 December 2017
Interim Results for the six months to 30 September 2017
Highlights
Financial
* 5% increase in revenue to $14.9 million (2016: $14.1 million) from the
Group's two operational mines in Romania and Zimbabwe
* 45% decrease in overhead expenses ($2.5 million) compared to the same period
in the previous year (2016: $5.5 million)
* 30% increase in EBIT to $0.56 million (2016: $0.43 million)
* Loss before taxation $12.6 million (2016: profit $0.3 million) due to $12.5
million exceptional items
* US$1,600,000 loan raised during the period to fund Romanian operations
* US$5,023,337 overdraft raised during the period to fund construction of the
sulphide plant in Zimbabwe, which is now operational
* Cash balance at period end $1.7 million (2016: $2.8 million)
Post period end
* Placing to raise £1 million ($1.32 million) at 0.525p announced 21 November
2017
* Open offer to raise up to £1.23 million ($1.60 million) at 0.525p announced
24 November 2017; offer oversubscribed by 35%
* Cash balance of $2.0 million in the group plus a further $60 thousand held
in the Zimbabwean subsidiaries as at 14 December 2017
Operational development
* Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine (Zimbabwe)* 20% increase in gold production to
8,775 Troy ounces from 7,326 Troy ounces in the six months to 31 March 2017
(six months to 30 September 2016: 9,452 ounces). The new sulphide plant is
fully operational.
* Manaila Polymetallic Mine (Romania)* 35% increase in copper concentrate
produced to 1,910 tonnes from 1,415 tonnes in six months to 31 March 2017 (six
months to 30 September 2016: 1,343 tonnes)
* 9% decrease in zinc concentrate produced to 270 tonnes from 297 tonnes in
six months to 31 March 2017 (six months to 30 September 2016: 35 tonnes)
* Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine (Romania)* Chosen to be granted a right to mine
at Baita Plai as part of a competitive selection process
Post period end:
* Following selection process holder of head licence at Baita Plai, Baita SA
has formally requested its shareholder the Ministry of Economy to approve
grant of association licence to mine at Baita Plai
* Completed a drilling programme on the Carlibaba prospect on the Manaila
extended licence with positive results announced
* Prospecting activities commenced on Piciorul Zimbrului and Magura Neagra
in line with Vast's strategy to increase the resources near Manaila and expand
its Romanian mineralised footprint
Board and Management
* Appointment of Brian Basham as non-executive director on 30 June 2017.
Brian Basham did not offer himself for re-election at the Annual General
Meeting held on 20 October 2017.
Post period end:
* Resignation of Roy Pitchford as Group CEO with effect from 31 December 2017;
due to be replaced by Andrew Prelea, the President of Vast's Romanian
subsidiary, who will also be appointed to the Board
Share Issues
Date No of Shares £ $ Reason for issue
4 Apr 6,116 31 39 Open offer warrants exercised
1 Jun 20,000,000 57,000 73,473 Advisor warrants exercised
14 Jun 51,386 207 335 Open offer warrants exercised
26 Jul 225,017 1,125 1,488 Open offer warrants exercised
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT
The half year results have been affected by a number of scenarios that have
impacted the period both positively and negatively.
The cost of sales increase, from 58% of revenue for the half year to September
2016 to 79% of revenue for the current half year, has been occasioned by
additional overburden stripping at the Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine in
Zimbabwe to facilitate sulphide mining and to provide adequate mining areas
for future periods. The benefits of this overburden removal will be positively
felt during future reporting periods.
The 2017 Annual Report Strategic Report refers to the transaction with
Sub-Sahara Goldia Investments ('Sub-Sahara'), which involved the divestment of
an effective 25% interest in the Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine and the Giant
Gold Mine in Zimbabwe. This transaction was only completed after 31 March
2017 and accordingly its effect - a loss on disposal of interest in subsidiary
loans of $12.538 million - is reflected in these half year statements. Under
the arrangements, 49.9% of the parent company's loans to Canape Investments
(Pvt) Limited were sold to Sub-Sahara and these loans are now reflected as a
liability in the Group's accounts, whereas prior to the transaction they
cancelled out on consolidation. Further explanation is given in note 10 to
the financial statements.
Reagent consumption at the Manaila Polymetallic Mine Zinc flotation circuit
was higher than planned as a consequence of inefficiencies in the flotation,
thickening and concentrate filtrate sections. The quality of the zinc
concentrate improved significantly, but initially, at the expense of the
quantity of zinc recovered. The areas of inefficiency in the zinc flotation
circuit have been identified and are being addressed. The focus now is to
maintain the quality, reduce the costs, and increase the quantity produced.
The mined grades at Manaila have been below expected levels because of funding
constraints limiting overburden removal in areas of higher grade. The lower
mined grades have consequently constrained the copper and zinc concentrate
volumes. The plant throughput increased 49.2% over the six months to March
2017 in terms of tonnes milled and resulted in lower grades. The increase in
the milled tonnage however exacerbated the need for increased overburden
removal. The cash constraint occurred as a consequence of acquiring 49.9% of
Sinarom Mining SRL by accelerating loan repayments to the vendor that would
have had to be repaid without the benefit of the additional holding in the
Company.
At the time of this transaction it was expected that a strategic investment
into Sinarom would have recovered the $2.5m paid for the 49.9% interest, as
well as provide funding for evaluating the new prospecting areas in Romania.
The absence of the strategic investment funding occasioned by the adoption of
a preferred form of funding by way of offtake finance, thus reducing potential
dilution, has constrained Vast's cash resources until the alternative offtake
funding is secured.
The weakening of the United States Dollar vis-a-vis the Romania Lei, created
an exchange rate gain that assisted in reducing the current period's overhead
expenses compared to the half year to September 2016.
The anticipated offtake funding will enable increased overburden stripping at
Manaila, exposing higher grades that will enable increased levels of copper
and zinc concentrate production. It will also facilitate construction of the
new metallurgical complex at Manaila, enable the reopening of the Baita Plai
Polymetallic Mine, and, along with the increased production at the
Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine, will enhance both the profitability and the cash
generation capacity of the Company.
With regard to Zimbabwe, notwithstanding the recent political developments, it
is anticipated that the profits generated in the Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine
after repayment of the bank overdraft, which was obtained in order to fund the
recently constructed sulphide plant, will, unless agreed otherwise with our
co-investors, be retained in Zimbabwe in order to finance the development of
the Giant Gold Mine.
My stepping off the board and management of the Company facilitates the
passing on of the baton to younger management. Andrew Prelea is Romanian and
well placed to pursue the Company's focus there and take Vast to its next
level of development. As a consequence of this change, and as mentioned in
the announcement of 30 January 2017 dealing with the agreement by Sub-Sahara
to make a $4 million loan to the Company repayable after four years,
Sub-Sahara has the right to recall the loan on 60 days' notice. Sub-Sahara has
duly been asked to confirm that as a result of the change they will not be
seeking to exercise this right.
Vast will be focussing on its core operations in both Romania and Zimbabwe,
vigorously addressing the opportunities in both jurisdictions and building on
its experience and intellectual know-how gained since its transformation to a
mining company that begun in 2014.
To this will be added appropriate board and management expertise along with an
interactive approach with shareholders to assure a commonality of purpose. The
Company will continue with its efforts to be an attractive investment to
institutional shareholders as well.
I wish the Company, board and management every success for the future.
Roy Pitchford
Chief Executive Officer
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
In Romania, our focus during the period has been to secure the Baita Plai
association licence, to improve the performance of the Manaila Polymetallic
Mine and to expand our mineralised footprint in the area proximal to the
present open pit mining operation.
At Manaila, as indicated in the September quarterly production report, copper
concentrate volumes and quality have improved considerably. Zinc concentrate
quality is also meeting off-takers' requirements and volumes are slowly
improving. A third revenue stream through a pyrite concentrate, which includes
gold and silver, is being ramped up. These improvements will transform this
underperforming asset into a cash flow positive mining operation in due
course.
Drilling in the adjacent Carlibaba prospecting licence area, which has been
undertaken to determine its suitability as a second open pit mine within the
Manaila licence area, has delivered the first indications of an extensive
and resource rich prospect. We are hopeful that we will be able to declare
a JORC compliant Mineral Resource for this asset in the first Quarter of next
year and, based on the drill results received to date, and subject to an
economic assessment, we believe that Carlibaba will support the development of
a second open pit operation at Manaila, in addition to a new metallurgical
processing facility on site, which would reduce Manaila opex costs.
The award of Baita Plai association licence has absorbed much executive time
over the last year and I am happy to report that significant progress in
meeting the authorities' due diligence requirements relating to the award of
the Baita Plai association licence has been made in the last few months. We
have confidence that a positive outcome in this regard is imminent
We are continuing to evaluate the Piciorul Zimbrului and Magura Neagra
prospecting licences, which are potentially valuable additions to our growing
portfolio of interests in Romania. Located 74km from Manaila, both licences
are attractive polymetallic targets and we look forward to further advancing
these assets in 2018 as we look to build our mineralised footprint.
Political developments in Zimbabwe are encouraging. The Board believes that
political stability and an improved management of the local economy herald
more favourable prospects for the Group's Zimbabwean assets.
At Pickstone-Peerless, the new sulphide plant has been brought on stream and
is producing significantly higher volumes of gold, further enhancing the its
cash flow generative capacity. The evaluation of the proximal Giant Gold Mine
licence area has also commenced. This will enhance further the value of the
Group,s Zimbabwe gold assets.
Prices for the Group's key commodities: copper, zinc and gold are holding up
well. A key driver for these prices is a stronger global economy in part
arising from the continued momentum of China's economic growth and in part the
prospect of electric vehicles.
Finally, Roy Pitchford has resigned from the board with effect from 31
December 2017. I would like to thank Roy for all his work on behalf of the
Company and wish him well for the future.
Brian Moritz
Chairman
For further information visit www.vastresourcesplc.com or please contact:
Vast Resources plc Roy Pitchford (Chief Executive Officer) www.vastresourcesplc.com +44 (0) 20 7236 1177
Beaumont Cornish - Financial & Nominated Adviser Roland Cornish James Biddle www.beaumontcornish.com
+44 (0) 020 7628 3396
Brandon Hill Capital Ltd - Joint Broker Jonathan Evans www.brandonhillcapital.com +44 (0)20 3463 5016
SVS Securities Plc - Joint Broker Tom Curran Ben Tadd www.svssecurities.com +44 (0)20 3700 0100
St Brides Partners Ltd Susie Geliher Charlotte Page www.stbridespartners.co.uk
+44 (0) 20 7236 1177
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the six months ended 30 September 2017
30 Sep 2017 31 Mar 2017 30 Sep 2016
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
Note $'000 $'000 $'000
Revenue 14,882 23,767 14,117
Cost of sales (11,815) (17,381) (8,180)
Gross profit 3,067 6,386 5,937
Overhead expenses (2,509) (8,047) (5,509)
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment 4 (1,259) (2,593) (1,019)
Profit (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment 29 81 167
Share option and warrant expense - (1,648) (384)
Other administrative and overhead expenses (1,279) (3,887) (4,273)
Profit (loss) from operations 558 (1,661) 428
Finance income 20 105 90
Finance expense (676) (812) (253)
Loss on disposal of interest in subsidiary loans 10 (12,538) - -
(Loss) profit before taxation from continuing operations (12,636) (2,368) 265
Taxation (charge) credit - (1,193) -
Total (Loss) profit after taxation for the period (12,636) (3,561) 265
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to either profit or loss
Gain on available for sale financial assets 2 3 -
Exchange gain (loss) on translation of foreign operations (976) 750 119
Total comprehensive profit (loss) for the period (13,610) (2,808) 384
Total profit (loss) attributable to:
- the equity holders of the parent company (13,916) (4,437) (947)
- non-controlling interests 1,280 876 1,212
(12,636) (3,561) 265
Total comprehensive profit (loss) attributable to:
- the equity holders of the parent company (14,890) (3,684) (828)
- non-controlling interests 1,280 876 1,212
(13,610) (2,808) 384
Loss per share - basic and diluted 3 (0.30) (0.13) (0.04)
Loss per share from continuing operations- basic and diluted (0.30) (0.13) (0.04)
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the six months ended 30 September 2017
Share capital Share premium Share option reserve Foreign currency translation reserve Available for sale reserve EBT reserve Retained deficit Total Non-controlling interests Total
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
At 31 March 2016 16,105 71,652 2,099 (1,978) (3) (3,942) (67,471) 16,462 11,518 27,980
Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - 750 3 - (4,437) (3,684) 876 (2,808)
Share option and warrant charges - - 1,648 - - - - 1,648 - 1,648
Share options and warrants lapsed - - (1,857) - - - 1,857 - - -
Convertible loan fair value adjustment - - - - - - 223 223 - 223
Shares issued:
- for cash consideration 2,064 2,112 - - - - - 4,176 - 4,176
- to settle liabilities 1,251 1,038 - - - - - 2,289 - 2,289
At 31 March 2017 19,420 74,802 1,890 (1,228) - (3,942) (69,828) 21,114 12,394 33,508
Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - (976) 2 - (13,916) (14,890) 1,280 (13,610)
Share options and warrants lapsed - - (79) - - - 79 - - -
Investment received in subsidiary - Ronquil Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd - - - - - - (757) (757) 2,457 1,700
Interest in mining asset - - - - - - (4,604) (4,604) 4,604 -
Acquisition of NCI in subsidiary - Sinarom Ming Group SRL - - - - - - (4,075) (4,075) 1,772 (2,303)
Shares issued:
- for cash consideration 28 49 - - - - - 77 - 77
At 30 September 2017 19,448 74,851 1,811 (2,204) 2 (3,942) (93,101) (3,135) 22,507 19,372
Consolidated statement of financial position
As at 30 September 2017
30 Sep 2017 31 Mar 2017 30 Sep 2016
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
$'000 $'000 $'000
Assets Note
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 4 43,929 38,563 32,805
Deferred tax asset 465 465 1,658
44,394 39,028 34,463
Current assets
Inventory 5 2,806 2,811 2,123
Receivables 6 5,490 5,960 4,438
Available for sale investments 12 10 8
Cash and cash equivalents 1,723 1,326 2,797
Total current assets 10,031 10,107 9,366
Total Assets 54,425 49,135 43,829
Equity and Liabilities
Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Parent
Share capital 19,448 19,420 17,618
Share premium 74,851 74,802 73,170
Share option reserve 1,811 1,890 1,781
Foreign currency translation reserve (2,204) (1,228) (1,859)
Available for sale reserve 2 - (3)
EBT reserve (3,942) (3,942) (3,942)
Retained deficit (93,101) (69,828) (67,716)
(3,135) 21,114 19,049
Non-controlling interests 22,507 12,394 12,730
Total equity 19,372 33,508 31,779
Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings 7 19,059 3,166 1,314
Provisions 9 1,140 1,095 948
20,199 4,261 2,262
Current liabilities
Loans and borrowings 7 7,974 3,935 2,349
Trade and other payables 8 6,880 7,431 7,439
Total current liabilities 14,854 11,366 9,788
Total liabilities 35,053 15,627 12,050
Total Equity and Liabilities 54,425 49,135 43,829
Consolidated statement of cash flow
for the six months ended 30 September 2017
30 Sep 2017 31 Mar 2017 30 Sep 2016
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
$'000 $'000 $'000
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITES
Profit (loss) before taxation for the period (12,636) (2,368) 265
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment charges 1,259 2,593 1,019
(Profit) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment (29) (81) (167)
Loss on disposal of interest in loans 12,538 - -
Convertible loan FV adjustment - 223 -
Liabilities settled in shares - 2,289 55
Share option expense - 1,648 384
1,132 4,304 1,556
Changes in working capital:
Decrease (increase) in receivables (274) (1,658) (542)
Decrease (increase) in inventories (3) (722) (211)
Increase (decrease) in payables (1,307) 1,010 823
(1,584) (1,370) 70
Cash used in operations (452) 2,934 1,626
Investing activities:
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment (6,084) (8,769) (1,496)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 64 234 378
Proceeds of third party investment in subsidiary 1,700 - -
Payments to acquire controlling interest in subsidiary (2,303) - -
Proceed of loan assignment 2,300 - -
Total cash used in investing activities (4,323) (8,535) (1,118)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares, net of issue costs 77 4,176 2,976
Proceeds from loans and borrowings granted 7,171 5,272 -
Repayment of loans and borrowings (2,076) (3,352) (1,518)
Total proceeds from financing activities 5,172 6,096 1,458
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 397 495 1,966
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,326 831 831
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,723 1,326 2,797
Interim report notes
1 Interim Report
The condensed interim financial statements, which are
unaudited, are for the six months ended 30 September 2017 and consolidate the
financial statements of the Company and all its subsidiaries. The statements
are presented in United States Dollars.
The financial information set out in these condensed interim financial
statements does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434(3)
of the Companies Act 2006. The condensed interim financial statements should
be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group
for the year ended 31 March 2017 which have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union
("IFRSs"). The Auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified
and did not contain a statement under s.498(2) or s.498(3) of the Companies
Act 2006.
While the Auditors' report for the year ended 31 March 2017 was unqualified,
it did include an emphasis of matter concerning going concern, to which the
Auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report.
Full details of these comments are contained in the report of the Auditors on
Pages 13 and 14 on the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March
2017, released elsewhere on this website on 22 September 2017.
The accounts for the period have been prepared in accordance with
International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" ("IAS 34")
and the accounting policies are consistent with those of the annual financial
statements for the year ended 31 March 2017, unless otherwise stated, and
those envisaged for the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018.
After review of the Group's operations and of the funding opportunities open
to the Group, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable
future. Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis
in preparing the unaudited condensed interim financial statements.
This interim report was approved by the Directors on 21 December 2017.
2 Segmental analysis
Mining, exploration and development Administration and corporate Total
Europe Africa
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Six Months to 30 September 2017
Revenue 2,832 12,050 - 14,882
Production costs (2,212) (9,603) - (11,815)
Gross profit (loss) 620 2,447 - 3,067
Depreciation (747) (510) (2) (1,259)
Profit (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment 29 - - 29
Other administrative and overhead expenses 2 (123) (1,158) (1,279)
Finance income - 20 - 20
Finance expense - (575) (101) (676)
Loss on disposal of interest in loan accounts - - (12,538) (12,538)
Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations (96) 1,258 (13,798) (12,636)
Mining, exploration and development Administration and corporate Total
Europe Africa
30 September 2017 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Total assets 15,388 38,957 80 54,425
Total non-current assets 11,716 33,165 (487) 44,394
Additions to non-current assets 2,145 3,939 - 6,084
Total current assets 3,672 5,792 567 10,031
Total liabilities 5,278 14,447 15,328 35,053
Year to 31 March 2017
Revenue 2,629 21,138 - 23,767
Production costs (3,746) (13,635) - (17,381)
Gross profit (loss) (1,117) 7,503 - 6,386
Depreciation and impairment (1,338) (1,251) (4) (2,593)
Profit (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment 81 - - 81
Share option and warrant expense - - (1,648) (1,648)
Other administrative and overhead expenses (769) (457) (2,661) (3,887)
Finance income 1 104 - 105
Finance expense - (89) (724) (812)
Taxation (charge) - (1,193) - (1,193)
Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations (3,141) 4,617 (5,037) (3,561)
Total assets 10,878 34,860 3,397 49,135
Total non-current assets 9,001 29,720 307 39,028
Additions to non-current assets 2,681 6,386 - 9,067
Total current assets 1,876 5,141 3,090 10,107
Total liabilities 7,362 6,213 2,052 15,627
Six Months to 30 September 2016
Revenue 1,310 12,807 - 14,117
Production costs (2,389) (5,791) - (8,180)
Gross profit (loss) (1,079) 7,016 - 5,937
Depreciation and impairment (296) (721) (2) (1,019)
Share option and warrant expense - - (384) (384)
Other administrative and overhead expenses (852) (231) (3,190) (4,273)
Finance income (1) 20 71 90
Finance expense - (33) (220) (253)
Profit (loss) for the year from continuing operations (1,964) 4,176 (1,947) 265
Mining, exploration and development Administration and corporate Total
Europe Africa
30 September 2016 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Total assets 11,679 31,156 994 43,829
Total non-current assets 9,210 25,249 4 34,463
Additions to non-current assets 1,319 - 177 1,496
Total current assets 2,469 5,908 989 9,366
Total liabilities 6,204 3,038 2,808 12,050
3 Loss per share
30 Sep 2017 31 Mar 2017 30 Sep 2016
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Group
Loss per ordinary share has been calculated using the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the relevant financial year.
The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the period is: 4,676,819,360 3,457,555,538 2,702,338,385
Losses for the period: ($'000) (13,916) (4,437) (947)
Loss per share basic and diluted (cents) (0.30) (0.13) (0.04)
Loss per share from continuing operations - basic and diluted (0.30) (0.13) (0.04)
The effect of all potentially dilutive share options is anti-dilutive.
4 Property, Plant and equipment
Plant and machinery Fixtures, fittings and equipment Computer assets Motor vehicles Buildings and Improvements Mining assets Capital Work in progress Total
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Cost at 1 April 2016 7,997 165 174 487 3,559 22,184 1,623 36,189
Revaluation 23 (6) - 72 318 - - 407
Additions during the year 559 46 58 240 47 1,281 6,836 9,067
Reclassification 946 1 - 2 (470) 1,520 (1,999) -
Disposals during the year (97) - - (159) (17) - - (273)
Impairment (962) - - - - - - (962)
Foreign exchange movements (65) (4) (5) (37) (206) (39) (78) (434)
Cost at 31 March 2017 8,401 202 227 605 3,231 24,946 6,382 43,994
Revaluation - - - - - - - -
Additions during the period 440 8 98 10 2 411 5,115 6,084
Reclassification 838 (29) 29 - 235 188 (1,261) -
Disposals during the period (83) (62) (78) (60) - - (35) (318)
Foreign exchange movements 163 5 2 44 216 281 36 747
Cost at 30 September 2017 9,759 124 278 599 3,684 25,826 10,237 50,507
Depreciation at 1 April 2016 2,157 92 116 296 234 151 604 3,650
Charge for the year 902 29 23 76 154 833 - 2,017
Disposals during the year (55) - - (61) (3) - - (119)
Foreign exchange movements (41) (2) - (28) (40) (6) - (117)
Depreciation at 31 March 2017 2,963 119 139 283 345 978 604 5,431
Charge for the year 768 9 47 104 44 283 4 1,259
Disposals during the period (83) (62) (78) (60) - - - (283)
Foreign exchange movements 62 4 - 31 27 47 - 171
Depreciation at 30 September 2017 3,710 70 108 358 416 1,308 608 6,578
Net book value at 31 March 2016 5,840 73 58 191 3,325 22,033 1,019 32,539
Net book value at 31 March 2017 5,438 83 88 322 2,886 23,968 5,778 38,563
Net book value at 30 September 2017 6,049 54 170 241 3,268 24,518 9,629 43,929
5 Inventory
Sep 2017 Mar 2017 Sep 2016
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Company
$'000 $'000 $'000
Minerals held for sale 1,029 1,369 924
Production stockpiles 946 606 525
Consumable stores 831 836 674
2,806 2,811 2,123
6 Receivables
Sep 2017 Mar 2017 Sep 2016
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Company
$'000 $'000 $'000
Trade receivables 384 101 443
Other receivables 520 694 1,293
Short term loans 526 457 -
Prepayments 982 1,677 539
VAT 3,078 3,031 2,163
5,490 5,960 4,438
7 Loans and borrowings
Sep 2017 Mar 2017 Sep 2016
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Company
$'000 $'000 $'000
Non-current
Secured borrowings 20,757 4,839 1,741
Unsecured borrowings - - 119
less amounts payable in less than 12 months (1,698) (1,673) (546)
19,059 3,166 1,314
Current
Bank overdrafts 5,023 859 -
Unsecured borrowings 1,253 1,403 1,803
Current portion of long term borrowings 1,698 1,673 546
7,972 3,935 2,349
Total loans and borrowings 27,033 7,101 3,663
8 Payables
Sep 2017 Mar 2017 Sep 2016
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Company
$'000 $'000 $'000
Trade payables 5,377 5,784 4,125
Other payables 1,250 1,325 2,478
Other taxes and social security taxes 160 237 749
Accrued expenses 93 85 87
6,880 7,431 7,439
9 Provisions
Sep 2017 Mar 2017 Sep 2016
Unaudited Audited Unaudited
Group Group Company
$'000 $'000 $'000
Provision for rehabilitation of mining properties
- Provision brought forward from previous periods 1,095 954 954
- Liability recognised during period 45 141 (6)
1,140 1,095 948
10 Financing arrangement
On 29 May 2017 the Company completed a financing arrangement with SSCG Africa
Holdings Ltd originally announced on 30 January 2017. Under this arrangement
the Company received gross proceeds of US$8 million, principally to advance
the Company's core activities in Romania. This comprised a US$4 million loan,
repayable on 30 January 2021 and a US$4 million payment in respect of a 49.99%
interest in the Company's principal Zimbabwean assets, consisting its 50%
shareholding in Dallaglio Investments (Private) Limited, the holding company
for the Pickstone Peerless Gold Mine, and the assignment of 49.9% of the
intercompany loan owing by Canape Investments (Private) Limited to Vast
Resources Plc.
The assignment of the intercompany loan, with a book value of $14.838 million,
for consideration of $2.3 million (included in the $4.0 million referred to
above), gave rise to the recognition of a loss on disposal of $12.538 million
as reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Income
11 Acquisition of remaining shareholding in Sinarom Mining Group
SRL
On 22 March 2017 the Company announced it had concluded an agreement to
acquire the remaining 49.9% interest in Sinarom Mining Group SRL ("Sinarom").
The purchase consideration for the shares and loan accounts comprising the
assets acquired was a total of $2.303 million and, all conditions precedent
being met, the acquisition was concluded on 19 July 2017.
12 Events after the reporting date
Baita Plai licence
On 18 October 2017 the Company announced that its Romanian subsidiary, African
Consolidated Resources SRL, had been advised in writing that a board meeting
of Baita SA had concluded on 16 October requesting its shareholder - the
Ministry of Economy - to approve the association on the licence for the
exploitation and processing of the polymetallic ore from the Baita Bihor SA
exploitation perimeter, which contains the Vast Resources 80% owned Subsidiary
AFCR Polymetallic Mining assets in Baita Plai, in compliance with all the
current legal provisions.
Management
Brian Basham did not offer himself for re-election as a director of the
Company at the Annual General Meeting held on 20 October 2017.
On 18 December 2017 Roy Pitchford announced his retirement as Group CEO with
effect from 31 December 2017. The Company announced that Andrew Prelea will be
appointed to the Board and CEO position to replace him.
Fund raising
Placing and open offer to shareholders
On 21 November the Company announced the completion of a placing of
190,476,190 ordinary 0.1p shares at an issue price of 0.525p per share. The
proceeds of the issue were $1.32 million (£1.0 million) and the shares were
issued on 5 December 2017.
On 24 November the Company announced that it was making an open offer to
shareholders of an entitlement to subscribe for 1 share for each 20 shares
held, at an issue price of 0.525p per share. On 12 December the Company
announced that this offer had been over-subscribed by a factor of 34.5%; the
offer raised £1.23 million (approx. $1.64 million) . As a result of this
offer 234,261,876 new ordinary 0.1p shares will be issued.
Exercise of warrants
Date No of Shares £ $
9 Oct 2,228 11 15 Open offer
17 Oct 2,112 11 14 Open offer
27 Oct 1,061,060 5,305 6,926 Open offer
30 Oct 183,180 916 1,198 Open offer
1 Nov 265,161 1,326 1,750 Open offer
3 Nov 36,794 184 243 Open offer
21 Nov 1,000,000 5,000 6,600 Open offer
27 Nov 807,018 4,035 5,326 Open offer
6 Dec 382,062 1,910 2,570 Open offer
13 Dec 123,533 618 826 Open offer
Change in joint broker
On 21 November the Company announced the appointment of SVS Securities Plc as
Joint Broker.
**ENDS**
This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of
Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for
the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
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